Have you been here?

Opened by prominent businessman John Jacob Astor IV (who tragically died on The Titanic), The Knickerbocker’s Beaux-Arts design and European luxury quickly made it the place to stay amongst society’s upper crust. It’s even been rumored as the birthplace of the martini and the velvet rope. But it was only in business for 15 years and throughout much of the 20th century served as an office building, despite having earned New York Landmark status in 1988.

Today, the hotel’s exterior still looks very much like it did in 1906 but fortunately all 330 guest rooms have a very contemporary luxury look with modern amenities such as plush beds, down pillows, flatscreen Smart TVs, free WiFi and complimentary bottled water and soft drinks. Since the hotel is squarely planted in the middle of Times Square at 42nd and Broadway, sound-proofed windows and automated black-out drapes are morning-after necessities.

Downstairs, chef Charlie Palmer oversees both the casual eatery Jake's @ The Knick as well as his signature restaurant, Charlie Palmer at The Knick. Meanwhile, guests can take in the dizzying lights of Times Square from the hotel’s rooftop bar, St. Cloud.